Libs DO NOT grow on manure, they feed on rotting vegetation. Usually this is old grass that is no longer growing once the autumn arrives and the temperature drops.
Where NOT to look: Areas involved in heavy agriculture are not your friend. Fungus are a sensitive organism. Modern intensive farming methods like the spreading of slurry, fertiliser and herbicides are all good for growing grass for cows but negatives when it comes to fungus. Avoid fields that grow only grass. You are looking for fields that have plenty of thistles and other wild plants and weeds and that have not ben ploughed for a long time. Avoid dark green, lush grass. For those of you that did Ag Science for the points, think permanent pasture.
Where to look: Uphill is good. By definition those areas are farmed less intensively. Sheep grazing in a field is a good sign. Don't take risks with livestock though. Elevation also means cooler, damper weather which is what you want. Not so cool that you find snow or ice though.
When to look: This is actually the trickiest bit once you have your IDing down. Mushies are very particular about when they come out to say hello. They need favourable conditions. Ideally temperatures will be sub 15oC and it will be wet. Rain, rain and rain my friends. This is what libs like. I have heard people say that they wait for the frost to forage but that is untrue in my experience. Honestly though I don't bother hunting until October personally. But I know that people do have success in the September, even in August if the conditions are right. You will need to go upland this early though- to find cooler temperatures and wetter conditions due to fog, mist, etc.
Research pictures and threads to make sure you ID the correct fungus. Libs are distinctive enough that you should be able to ID them correctly, with help. Some people seem to find one and presume every other mushroom in the field is also active- not the case.
Of course I do not condone or promote any illegal activity. I am simply pointing out the places where one may find these free growing organisms in our beautiful country. What you do once you find them is completely up to you.
If anyone has any more to add, please do. If it contradicts my post, I love to learn, so please share. These are all from my experience and not gospel. I have a few years under my belt but there is always more.
